A planning application has been approved for new bungalows to help meet the needs of South Kesteven’s ageing population.
The bungalows will help to meet the requirements of a growing number of residents on the Housing Register who need adapted properties.
South Kesteven District Council’s Planning Committee has given the green light for the demolition of a former community building in Toller Court, Horbling, that has been repeatedly vandalised since closing five years ago.
Demolition of the building will allow construction of three bungalows on the site and a neighbouring grass area.
Toller Court is already a bungalow housing scheme as it was previously sheltered accommodation.
The building that will be demolished is the former resident lounge and community hall.
The new proposal is for a one-bed, two-person bungalow and two, two-bedroom bungalows for three people all with rear gardens. Five parking spaces will be provided for the development.
They will be affordable housing properties owned and operated by South Kesteven District Council.
Cllr Virginia Moran, South Kesteven District Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “The building which is being demolished was never a building for the use of the village and has been repeatedly vandalised since Toiler Court ceased to be a sheltered housing complex.
“Knocking it down makes good use of the land in providing a type of accommodation that we badly need in South Kesteven for our ageing population and builds on our promise to provide high-quality affordable housing for our residents.”
A footpath popular with dog walkers, which is not a public right of way, will be re-routed rather than being lost, and no trees or hedgerows will be removed.
Previous planning permission for two two-bedroom bungalows was approved in 2020 but lapsed.
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Lincoln College University Centre graduates celebrate success at Lincoln Cathedral
Graduates, joined by their proud friends and families, gathered at the historic Lincoln Cathedral on 30 October 2025, to celebrate the annual Lincoln College University Centre graduation ceremony.
Following the ceremony, graduates and their families joined local dignitaries, leading employers, and college staff at The Drill for a special reception to continue the celebrations.
Students received their degrees from a wide range of subject areas, including Animal Management, Business, Computer Science, Construction, Engineering, Policing, Sports Coaching and unique specialist subjects such as Clinical Herbalism.
Guest of honour, Group Captain Steven ‘Harry’ Harrison, was awarded Companionship of Lincoln College for his continued support to the College and the air and defence industry. He delivered an inspiring graduation address, followed by a speech from newly-graduated HNC Aeronautical Engineering student, Elizabeth Bedells.
Elizabeth said: “I wanted to thank our dedicated teachers and excellent support team. Without you, none of this would be possible and the knowledge you have shared with us will reach far into whatever career we choose to enter. The opportunities you’ve opened up for us too are incredible.”
Lincoln College University Centre offers more than 40 degree-level courses and provides students with small group sizes, more contact time with industry expert tutors, and condensed timetables to fit around family life or employment.
Lincoln College Group Principal and CEO, Mark Locking, added: “Graduation is always one of the proudest moments in our calendar. Seeing our students walk across the stage in Lincoln Cathedral, surrounded by their families, is a wonderful reminder of why we do what we do.
“Their achievements reflect not only their hard work and determination but also the dedication of our staff who have supported them throughout their studies.
“We’re incredibly proud of every single graduate and excited to see the positive impact they will continue to make in their communities and careers.”
Louth golfers tee off to support cancer patients
The Oncology team at Lincoln County Hospital have received a £1,000 funding boost thanks to the senior’s section of Louth Golf Club.
Seniors Captain for 2025, Chris Barber, chose United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity as his charity of the Year. This was his way to say thank you for the care his wife, Judith, received whilst a patient at Lincoln County Hospital after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021.
Judith spent nine months undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy and continues to receive regular check-ups.
Chris was full of praise for the hospital staff for their sterling work in providing healthcare every day in Lincolnshire’s hospitals. He said: “A lot of our golf members at the club have used the services of Lincoln County Hospital and we all wanted to give something back.”
Chris and Judith recently met up with some of the team that looked after her when they visited the Oncology Unit to pass on their donation.
Liz Timms, Deputy Sister on the hospital’s Ingham Ward expressed her thanks to all the golfers and said: “This donation is very much appreciated – we understand cancer is something close to people’s hearts and these funds will be used to help improve our patients lives.”
United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity Manager, Ben Petts said: “This donation will make a difference to patient care. It is only with the support from businesses and local organisations like Louth Golf Club that we can provide extra equipment and facilities that is transforming healthcare across Lincolnshire’s hospitals.”
In 2024, Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity funded projects worth over £108,000 to support cancer patients. This included resources for parents to help support and aid discussion with children about their cancer diagnosis, and a new makeover to the Oncology Garden which has created a peaceful and welcoming space for patients attending the hospital for treatments.
Restoration work to resume on Corporation Road Bridge
Restoration of Grimsby’s historic Corporation Road Bridge is set to resume following new decisions by North East Lincolnshire Council. The bridge will remain closed to allow the remaining repair works to be completed more efficiently and at a lower overall cost.
The Council confirmed that Taziker Industrial Limited has been appointed to complete the next phase of the project, with work scheduled to restart within days. The contractor has already begun preparatory work and is expected to complete the restoration by December 2026.
Earlier this year, a £12 million price cap was agreed for the scheme. While a temporary increase has been approved to secure Taziker’s appointment, the total cost is still expected to remain below the original budget.
The bridge, a Grade II listed structure, has been closed for extensive refurbishment aimed at preserving its historic features and restoring it to full working order. The decision to maintain the closure prioritises timely completion over a phased reopening, which would have extended the project’s duration and added to its cost.
The upcoming works mark the final stage in returning one of Grimsby’s most recognisable landmarks to service, ensuring its long-term safety and structural integrity.
Image credit: North East Lincolnshire CouncilNHS prepares to move into Scunthorpe’s Elizabeth Quarter as keys handed over
Keys to office space in North Lincolnshire Council’s Elizabeth Quarter building have been handed over, paving the way for NHS services to move into the heart of Scunthorpe town centre.
Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) will begin moving into the building over the coming weeks, with services fully in place by the end of November.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is a major moment for Scunthorpe. Bringing NHS services into the town centre makes them easier to access and in a welcoming, accessible place.
“With the number of staff and visitors to the site reaching into the high hundreds every week, this is also a great boost for the town centre. Visitors can park for free for two hours and will be able to take advantage of local facilities, including St John’s Market, the new Discover gallery at 20-21 and all the town centre activities and events we organise.
“Coming after the opening of the Clinical Diagnostic Centre in the heart of town, we are enabling people to live healthier lives as well as helping our town centre thrive.”
RDaSH will lease the office and clinical space for 15 years, enabling a wide range of mental health, learning disability, neurodiversity, and talking therapy services to be delivered in the town centre.
The new facilities will include consultation spaces, clinical rooms and group areas, supporting appointments, therapy sessions and everyday help for adults, families and the whole community.
Toby Lewis, chief executive of RDaSH, the NHS trust which provides children’s health and adult mental health services in North Lincolnshire, said: “Opening the Elizabeth Quarter building this November is a huge leap forward for local patients and for our staff. This is a purpose-built environment which supports great quality care.
“The new building is easy to access for many and right in the heart of Scunthorpe. We remain committed to expanding our services in the villages locally.
“We are also rebuilding the Great Oaks mental health unit in Ashby and that work will complete in May 2026, meaning all of our three bases in the district are now well designed for the care we provide.”
Elizabeth Quarter, built on the former Scunthorpe Market site, is a modern three-storey centre designed to bring work, activity and community services closer to local people.
It was announced last month that the team behind the Imaginarium restaurant will be opening a new venue in the building. Humberside Police are also set to build a new town centre police station on the site.
Image credit: North Lincolnshire Council. Pictured are Alison Barker, chief executive, North Lincolnshire Council, cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, Lesley Potts, director: communities, North Lincolnshire Council, Julie Thornton, RDaSH Care Group director North Lincolnshire and talking therapy services, and Lou Redhead, RDaSH continuous service improvement manager.
£64,000 investment made in eco-friendly street cleaning machines for Boston
Boston Borough Council has invested in three new electric “Green Machines” to help keep both the town and the surrounding villages looking their best.
The council has purchased one industrial sweeper machine and two industrial compact vacuums, manufactured by Green Machines, costing £64,000.
Funding for the investment came from the Towns Deal award for Boston, via a £100,000 contribution from the Healing the High Street project to improve public spaces and buildings in the town centre. The council is currently exploring options for how to utilise the remaining funding.
The machines will be used across Boston town centre, villages, and parishes, helping the Council’s Environmental team clean public areas and council-owned land more efficiently and sustainably.
The new green machines bring versatility to the fleet, with the sweeper able to brush and collect debris right up to shop fronts and walls, reducing the need for prolonged manual sweeping, while also gathering bottles, cans, cigarette ends, and leaves.
The smaller vacuums are lightweight and agile, for reaching confined spaces and removing litter and detritus that are difficult to access by hand. Both models are fully electric and zero-emission, contributing to a cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable town centre.
Councillor Mike Gilbert, deputy leader and portfolio holder for town centre development, said: “We are really pleased to have received the funds from Boston Town Board which have enabled us to buy these new machines.
“2030 sees the 400th anniversary of the founding of Boston Massachusetts, an event we want to celebrate here and in the US. Boston needs to ensure it is a town clean, tidy and fit to host a series of national and international events. These machines will help us to achieve that vision.”
Councillor Callum Butler, portfolio holder for environmental services at Boston Borough Council, said: “These new machines are a fantastic addition to our street cleansing fleet.
“They not only make the job easier for our operatives but also demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and cleaner, greener streets.
“We hope that residents and visitors alike will notice the difference these machines will bring and give credit to the amazing work our operatives do to make Boston and its surrounding villages shine.”
Claire Foster, interim chair of Boston Town Board, said: “We know from the consultation that we’ve carried out that the appearance and cleanliness of Boston really matters to local people.
“We’re pleased to be able to make this investment which reflects what we’ve heard from the public, and we look forward to seeing the impact the machines will make in the town.”
Cash still rules when it comes to tipping in Britain
Despite the rise of contactless payments, most Britons still prefer to leave a tip the old-fashioned way. A nationwide study of 2,000 adults found that 58% tip in cash, while only 15% use a card.
Nearly four in ten say they’re more generous when tipping with coins or notes, and one in five admits they only tip if they have cash on hand. The decline of physical money has had an effect, too; 17% said they now tip less often simply because they carry less cash.
Personal connection remains a key reason. More than half of respondents said handing over money feels more meaningful, while many worry that digital tips don’t always reach the right person. Others prefer the control of deciding the exact amount themselves.
The cost-of-living crisis is also reshaping habits. Almost a quarter say they’re tipping less overall, and over half feel pressured by preset card machine suggestions. Even so, 60% still carry cash specifically for tipping.
Restaurants top the list of places most likely to receive a tip, followed by taxis and hairdressers. Interestingly, a fifth of people say they tip more when trying to make a good impression — proof that generosity, at least for now, is still best expressed in notes and coins.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MGWhy your garden feels quieter this November
Across Britain, many gardens fall strangely silent at this time of year. The familiar morning chatter fades, and birds like robins and blackbirds seem to have disappeared. But while the skies may look empty, most birds are still close by, simply keeping a lower profile.
As autumn deepens, birds enter a demanding phase known as moulting, replacing their worn summer feathers with new ones for winter. The process leaves them tired and more vulnerable, prompting them to stay hidden among hedges and shrubs. With natural food sources like berries, seeds, and insects still abundant, they also spend less time at feeders.
Young birds from the spring are beginning to explore new territories, which adds to the sense that regular garden visitors have vanished. Migration plays a part too, as some species head to warmer climates.
Wildlife organisations advise continuing to offer food and water throughout the colder months. High-energy options such as suet, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and mealworms are vital for building strength before winter. Clean bird baths, fresh water, and a bit of untidiness can turn gardens into vital shelters when natural supplies begin to thin later in the season.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Tony BaggettBungalows approved to help meet needs of ageing population
Spalding residents invited to mark Remembrance Sunday
Spalding residents and visitors have been invited to come together on Sunday 9 November to pay tribute to the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, in our Armed Forces.
Organised by South Holland District Council’s Communities and Events team in partnership with the Spalding branch of the Royal British Legion and other partner organisations, this year’s remembrance service will take place at Ayscoughfee Hall Gardens.
The morning will begin with parade participants assembling in the Market Place before processing towards Ayscoughfee Hall Gardens, accompanied by music from a band and supported by local youth and community groups. Members of the public are encouraged to line the route to show their support as the parade passes.
Veterans, cadets, uniformed groups, and civic representatives will then all join members of the public to observe the traditional Act of Remembrance, including the two-minute silence and wreath laying outside the recently restored Lutyens Memorial at 11am.
Councillor Jan Whitbourn, chairlady of South Holland District Council, said: “Remembrance Sunday is one of the most important and unifying moments in Spalding’s calendar.
“While the format of the event has been adjusted slightly this year, with the parade culminating in Ayscoughfee Gardens rather than marching back to the town centre after the service, the heart of the day remains the same as ever.
“The roads around Ayscoughfee Gardens will have been reopened by the time the service has concluded so please be mindful when crossing from that point on.
“This is time for our community to come together in gratitude, reflection and respect for those who served and sacrificed. I hope residents of all ages will join us once again to honour their memory.”
Grant scheme launched to strengthen North Lincolnshire businesses
Small and medium-sized enterprises in North Lincolnshire can now access new funding designed to drive investment, boost efficiency, and create local jobs.
The latest business grant scheme aims to support companies that have been trading for more than a year, helping them modernise operations and remain competitive in a challenging market. Eligible projects include equipment upgrades, technology adoption, diversification into new products or services, and energy-saving measures such as solar panels or heat pumps.
Grants range from £2,500 to £5,000, and applicants must match the funding on a 50:50 basis. Projects must begin immediately upon approval and be completed within 30 working days. Funding will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until all allocations are made.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Strong businesses, new jobs and a thriving local economy – these things really matter for residents and communities.
“This fund gives local firms the chance to invest with confidence, modernise their operations and build for the future – these grants are a practical way to give firms the tools they need to succeed.”
A previous round of funding supported Bennett Potatoes in Scawby, which invested £4.5 million in advanced processing and packaging facilities. The grant contributed to the completion of an automated production line, improving product quality, reducing waste, and creating local employment.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MG